Redemption

five

The two days seemed to pass very slowly.

Anne spent most of her time sleeping because she didn't know what to do. She always tried to talk to Cindy when she came with food, but Cindy ignored her most of the time. Only important questions about the hospital will Cindy answer.

Anne wanted to talk to Emily again, but every night she fell asleep. When she tried to stay awake, she couldn't. Her eyes felt so heavy that she unconsciously fell asleep. Then, she will wake up when the room is bright in the morning sun.

Before, she had never felt like that. She was sleepy, but not that bad. Anne had suspected that something had been put in her food. She didn't know if it was some kind of sleeping pill or what. As far as she could remember, the effects of sleeping pills would work after 20 or 30 minutes after taking them. The problem was, she only felt the extraordinary sleepiness after a few hours had passed.

Maybe it's not sleeping pills, but other similar medicine.

Well, this is just speculation. However, if a week had passed and she still felt the same way, she would find out. She could probably ask Emily. Later that night, she would try to stay awake. Two days had passed and she wanted to know if Emily's invitation was still valid? She was very curious how she got the duplicate key.

Anne pulled up the covers and curled up on the bed. She was getting used to the bad smell—she didn't really care anymore. She pondered again thinking about her days here.

There's nothing interesting that Anne has known lately, other than the fact that this hospital has four floors. Cindy said that the third floor was also inhabited by patients with a more severe level of disorder (exactly as expected). While the fourth floor is a special floor for the doctors who work here. Cindy herself lived on the first floor with the guards and other officers.

The first floor is honestly quite... chaotic. The prisoners in the cells were allowed to do whatever they wanted; shouting, singing, jumping up and down, somersaulting, and so on. Nothing forbids. The man standing guard outside seemed to be just watching. Maybe if there was a fight, he would just watch until there was bloodshed.

Anne's placement in this room felt a little better. Even though she felt like she was about to die of boredom, at least she didn't have to deal with other crazy patients. Not to mention the treatment they get is very bad. The pungent smell as Anne crossed the floor was already one of the proofs.

This hospital, feels like a dumping ground.

Anne took a deep breath and turned to the window. Another problem, she can't remember at all memories of her family or the events when the massacre took place. No matter how hard she tried.

Could it be because she hasn't been given medication yet? Or undergoing therapy? 

Who knows.

Anne sighed again. The faint sound of footsteps from the end of the hall rang in her ears. Cindy, she thought. Then there was another. The beat of her heels felt strong and powerful. Is it Doctor Diana?

Anne got out of bed when the door to her room swung open. Doctor Diana was standing in the doorway with Cindy carrying a tray of food. Doctor Diana's smile suddenly broke when she met Anne's gaze. 

"Good afternoon, Miss Roseanne," said Doctor Diana. She walked gracefully. "How was your day?"

What question is that?

"Incredible—" answered Anne with a bland laugh. "—bad," she continued emphatically. 

Doctor Diana was still smiling, apparently unconcerned by Anne's answer. "Well, I guess you just haven't adjusted yet."

"Adjust oneself? How?" Did Doctor Diana think she could have fun here?

The woman didn't answer right away, but took her place in front of Anne first. Cindy placed her tray of food on the nightstand, then stood next to Doctor Diana. Anne looked at her, but Cindy just stared back with a flat expression.

"You'll know what I mean later," said Doctor Diana. She pulled her things out of her bag and without permission took Anne's hand. "After you've been let out, maybe you'll feel better?"

"When can I go—aw!" Anne shrieked as her index finger was suddenly pricked with a needle. Her lips pursed up at Doctor Diana, who looked the least bit innocent. "You should at least give a warning."

Doctor Diana just shrugged. "Your physique is pretty good, but you still need to get out of the room so your muscles don't stiffen," she said. She took a few drops of Anne's blood and put them in a small plastic bag.

"When can I come out?" she asked.

"You can come out tomorrow."

Anne tried to look less pleased with the information. "Oh," she said dryly.

Doctor Diana frowned. "You don't seem pleased."

"I'm glad." Anne said, giving a fake smile.

Doctor Diana sighed. "Ah, fine. So Cindy will be watching you, while you're outside to see how you're doing. How you interact with other patients. Then, we'll decide whether or not you should be treated."

Of course. Cindy would watch her like an eagle.

Anne glanced at her again, but Cindy was still expressionless. It's like a statue.

"You still can't remember anything?" Ask Doctor Diana.

Anne shook her head. "No."

"Something familiar, maybe? Maybe when you see something? Somebody? Or anything."

Anne was silent for a moment. Should she say it? Familiar feelings for the new prisoner?

"Miss Roseanne?"

"Not. Nothing," answered Anne lying. For some reason she couldn't tell Doctor Diana that, even though she was going to take care of her. Anne just couldn't believe it. She'd better check it herself.

Doctor Diana nodded once, then packed her things. "Okay, today's checkup is enough. I'll visit you again next week. Hopefully something changes."

Doctor Diana smiled sweetly and stood up from her place. She turned to Cindy, then gave a kind of code with a movement of her hand. Anne's eyes narrowed in concern, but she didn't understand what the two of them were doing.

They started walking out of the room and Anne continued to watch. When they arrived at the doorway, Doctor Diana suddenly turned around. "Oh, I almost forgot," she muttered.

Anne raised an eyebrow. "What?"

A smirk suddenly appeared on Doctor Diana's lips. "Soon there will be an annual game. New members like you will definitely be included. So as my patient, I want to say good luck."

Then the door closed.

Anne blinked on the spot. She couldn't ignore the intensity of Doctor Diana's voice as she said the last part.

'Good luck'.

What does it mean? And what game was she talking about?